Rapid synthesis of single phase Gd₂Zr₂O₇ pyrochlore waste forms by microwave sintering

Single phase Gd₂Zr₂O₇ pyrochlore have been successfully prepared by microwave sintering processing. The total time of sintering is less than an hour compared to several days required in the case of conventional sintering. The prepared samples are characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Archimedes method. The phase purity, density and microstructure of the microwave processed samples were determined and compared with a conventionally processed material. The effects of sintering conditions on the densification, microstructure and phase purity were investigated. It was found that the microwave sintered pyrochlore show better densification, higher phase purity and more uniform grain size than conventional one. Furthermore, sintered densities and phase purity were found to increase with increase in sintering time and temperature.